- 1.Software Engineers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Software Engineering programs include Florida Atlantic University, Florida Polytechnic University, North Carolina A & T State University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Florida Atlantic University offers software engineering education at $2,522/year with 77% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Software Engineering programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Florida Atlantic University
N/A software engineering graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Software Engineering based on 77% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Florida Polytechnic University
N/A software engineering graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Software Engineering based on 81% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
North Carolina A & T State University
N/A software engineering graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Software Engineering based on 84% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
N/A software engineering graduates annually
University of Florida
N/A software engineering graduates annually
University of Central Florida
N/A software engineering graduates annually
University of South Florida
N/A software engineering graduates annually
University of West Florida
N/A software engineering graduates annually
Kennesaw State University
N/A software engineering graduates annually
University of North Florida
N/A software engineering graduates annually
Best Software Engineering Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | N/A |
| #2 Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | N/A |
| #3 North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | N/A |
| #4 University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | N/A |
| #5 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $2,522 | 221.5 | 77% |
| 2 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | $3,152 | 189.4 | 81% |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 189.3 | 84% |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 187.7 | 76% |
| 5 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 176.6 | 95% |
| 6 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 175.2 | 93% |
| 7 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 152.8 | 85% |
| 8 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 151 | 84% |
| 9 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 148.6 | 66% |
| 10 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 143.9 | 82% |
| 11 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 140.2 | 99% |
| 12 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 138.1 | 96% |
| 13 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $5,742 | 138 | 100% |
| 14 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | 137 | 83% |
| 15 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 134.9 | 79% |
| 16 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 134.7 | 88% |
| 17 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | 134.4 | 95% |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 130.8 | 93% |
| 19 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | 130.1 | 94% |
| 20 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | 128.6 | 85% |
| 21 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $5,742 | 128.4 | 100% |
| 22 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 123.4 | 99% |
| 23 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 117.7 | 78% |
| 24 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $5,742 | 117.7 | 73% |
| 25 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | $5,742 | 117.6 | 87% |
Affordable Software Engineering Degrees: Quality Education Without the Debt
Software Engineering education doesn't require six-figure debt. Our analysis of accredited programs reveals exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement—proving that cost doesn't determine quality in software engineering education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems
Systems Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Create operating systems and network distribution software
Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Build mobile and web applications for end users
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations for continuous integration
Quality Assurance Engineer
SOC 15-1253Test software applications for bugs and performance issues
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Guide development teams and make technical architecture decisions
Product Manager (Technical)
SOC 11-3021Manage software product development lifecycle and strategy
Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1241Design technical solutions for complex business problems
Most Affordable States for Software Engineering Education
Washington
North Carolina
Florida
Louisiana
Oklahoma
California
Idaho
Montana
Utah
New York
Wisconsin
Texas
Tennessee
Iowa
Financial Aid Strategies for Software Engineering Students
Software engineering students have access to numerous financial aid opportunities beyond traditional federal aid. STEM-specific scholarships are available from organizations like the National Science Foundation, IEEE, and major technology companies including Google, Microsoft, and Apple.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for software engineering degrees, particularly for working professionals pursuing part-time or online programs. Companies like Amazon, IBM, and Starbucks provide substantial educational benefits that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Complete FAFSA applications by March 1st for maximum state and institutional aid eligibility
- Apply for STEM scholarships from NSF, IEEE, and technology companies
- Research state-specific programs like Georgia HOPE Scholarship or Florida Bright Futures
- Consider work-study programs and research assistantships at your target universities
- Explore employer tuition benefits if currently working in technology
- Look into cooperative education programs that provide paid work experience
Choosing Your Affordable Software Engineering Program
- Cost is your primary concern and you qualify for in-state tuition
- You want the lowest total cost with ABET accreditation
- You prefer a warm climate and growing tech scene in Florida
- You value high graduation rates and comprehensive student support
- You want a top-ranked program with affordable tuition
- You're interested in cutting-edge research opportunities
- You want access to Atlanta's thriving tech ecosystem
- You're willing to handle more rigorous academic competition
- You prefer smaller class sizes with personalized attention
- You want access to Research Triangle Park internships
- You value a collaborative learning environment
- You're interested in government contracting opportunities
- Your state lacks quality affordable options
- You can establish residency for reduced tuition in year 2
- You receive substantial merit scholarships
- The career opportunities justify the additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Software Engineering Programs
Based on 187 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Software Engineering graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, tuition, graduation rates, and completion data
Total cost of attendance, financial aid, and earnings data
Occupational employment and wage statistics for software developers
Accreditation status for engineering and technology programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.